You have your cosmetology license and salon owners are clamoring for you to go to work in their salon. This is great, right?
Well, there is just one little thing: they are booth rental salons and they want you to pay booth rental right off the bat. That is one scenario, the other is you have been assisting for a few months and the owner says you are ready for a chair, but he wants you to rent it and not go on commission.
Are you really ready for everything that comes with booth rental? read more>

Are you ready to take the big leap and open the doors of freedom and independence? Or do you like the comfort of knowing you can depend on co-workers and salon management to keep you going?
What's right for you? Both journeys allow for different experiences to provide necessary knowledge that supports the passion for your career. read more>

It's time to step back and take note of the phenomenal booth rental boom in several regions of the U.S. More and more independent-minded stylists are opting to trade up from booth rental by trending toward the business alternative – "private suite rental." Stylists and even salon owners have discovered the concept of a private environment for clients that fit their image and lifestyle. read more>

It is crucial to be familiar with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and how this federal government agency works. A solid understanding of the IRS and what it means to you as a beauty professional will only help you to be more successful in your career. The IRS covers everything from auditing to tip reporting, therefore knowing your federal tax responsibilities is essential to your success. read more>

The beauty industry is arguably the most entrepreneurial sector of our nation's economy. Opportunities for business ownership of many forms abound. And booth rental is a significant contributor to the vibrant and competitive nature of our industry, since each booth renter is, in fact, a separate business entity. But to avoid costly regulatory and tax-related penalties and fines and to help maintain the professional image of our industry, booth rental salons need to raise their game. read more>

The North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) is the industry's preeminent photographic beauty competition celebrating the skill of the professional salon industry. Leading up to the 25th anniversary event this July, prominent industry NAHA winners are being featured to celebrate the tradition of this event.
Eli Mancha is the sixth NAHA winner spotlighted in this series. read more>

This issue of The Stylist takes a look at how beauty professionals work independently —the fastest growing salon/spa business practice in the United States. In fact, close to half of all salon establishments will have some type of independent beauty provider working in them by 2015. That's no surprise, considering that professionals in many careers, from freelance writers to personal trainers and from IT specialists to accountants, are opting to work independently today. read more>

Has it always been a dream of yours to own your own business? Are you frustrated with where you are and want to take on a new challenge? Maybe you want a private practice where you can control your hours and have more time for family and a flexible schedule? When you are in business for yourself you can have all of these things but the pathway to doing it successfully requires preparation, planning, persistence and a lot of hard work.read more>

Whether you're a business owner or a working hairdresser, this is one of the most important questions you will ever answer. Making the right decision can have such a strong impact on your business — and save you a lot of frustration. But what is the right decision? read more>

Haven't we all been advised to work ON our business, and not IN our business? Like most platitudes, it's not very useful unless substantiated with valid examples. Even experienced professionals could use guidance when making important decisions; we need more relevant information, not mindless blather. Recently, fellow salon owner and licensed manicurist Maggie Franklin contacted me for advice about hiring her first employee. read more>